He won a ring with LeBron. He grew up idolizing Jordan. And now, Iman Shumpert says both can be true. But only one gets the GOAT crown.
“LeBron Is the Greatest Player of All Time”
On The Dan Patrick Show, Shumpert didn’t hesitate to praise his former teammate’s greatness.
“LeBron is the greatest of all time. He is the perfect example of a basketball player.”
From his basketball IQ to his physical dominance, Shumpert called LeBron a one-of-one:
“He has the physical makeup that nobody else might ever get… You want somebody that knows the playbook of all the coaches in the NBA.”
“I’ve never seen a basketball mind meet up with such a dominant physical form before LeBron James.”
But MJ Still Holds the Crown
Despite calling LeBron the most complete player ever, Shumpert still ranks Michael Jordan as his personal GOAT.
Why? Winning and impact.
“Jordan took a couple years off and still got the records first,” Shumpert said. “I’m ranking more on winning and how I felt having a player like that on my favorite team.”
“So Jordan will always be my GOAT.”
It’s personal, too. Shumpert was born in Illinois and spoke from his mom’s home in Chicago during the interview.
“There are Jordan jerseys everywhere.”
No Hate, Just Perspective
Shumpert made it clear this isn’t hate and that LeBron knows how he feels.
“I’ve said it to LeBron I don’t know how many times.”
He even defended the debate itself, calling it a sign of respect:
“People say we’re hating just because we won’t say LeBron’s better than Jordan.”
“But it’s a great conversation. I think it’s even more special that I got to play with LeBron and be a part of it.”
Final Word
For Shumpert, Jordan is the GOAT, but LeBron is the greatest player ever — and yes, there’s a difference.
“LeBron, Kobe, Steph — all of them know they’ve done their job,” he said.
“And we’re supposed to be in the barbershop having this debate.”
GOAT or not, LeBron’s legacy is set. And Shump’s take might be one of the most balanced we’ve heard.
